Mars rover Opportunity (“Opportunity”) confirmed the discovery, Curiosity made earlier – he found evidence that on Mars in antiquity was water suitable for living organisms, said NASA experts. 
Photos from open sources Previously data from automatic probes testified that Martian water was extreme high salinity and acidity. Curiosity rover in March received evidence that the Martian natural environment in antiquity was habitable, in particular that the water was almost fresh and neutral. Now the results of the “senior” rover confirmed this finding.
A photo from open sources
© Photo: NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSS
Water and clay made the rover linger near the stone Cumberland
As the scientific adviser of the mission, Steve, said at a news conference Squires (Steve Squyres), Opportunity studied the chemical composition stone, which scientists assigned the designation Esperance 6, fixing the ratio of aluminum, potassium, calcium and sodium, as well as iron in clay rock in its cracks. This “clay” could form only in the presence of a large amount of water. It turned out that this the water was almost fresh.
A photo from open sources
© B.Hynek
Scientists: a third of Mars more than 3 billion years ago covered the ocean liquid water
“It was water that you could drink,” said Squires, noting that so far traces of water have been found on Mars, which looked more like sulfuric acid. “This result is one of the most important finds for the entire mission, “he added.
Now the Opportunity rover is heading to a new area for continuation of research work – to the so-called point Solander Point, where the outcrop of rocks with large the number of layers interesting from a geological point of view.
Mars rover Opportunity and its “twin” Spirit went to Mars on June 10 and July 7, 2003. They were expected to work on the surface of the planet for about three months, but Spirit worked until 2010, and Opportunity still works.
RIA News.
Water Stones Mars Mars Rover Curiosity
